The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League. Over more than 90 years, they have enjoyed championship success, memorable moments, bitter rivalries, and long playoff droughts. In 2025, the Bears’ history took a dramatic turn with a playoff win that not only snapped a long postseason drought but also reenergized the franchise and its fans. Here’s a detailed look at the Bears’ playoff history, their rise in 2025, and what it all means for the future of the team.
Early Dominance and Championship Legacy
The Bears began competing in the NFL in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys before becoming the Chicago Bears. In the early decades of professional football, they were a dominant force. The franchise captured multiple NFL championships before the Super Bowl era, including titles in 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, and 1963.
Their only Super Bowl victory came after the 1985 season in Super Bowl XX, when the Bears overwhelmed the New England Patriots 46-10. Defensive end Richard Dent earned Super Bowl MVP honors for his disruptive performance, which included multiple forced turnovers that helped set the tone for Chicago’s dominant season.
The Bears also appeared in Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season but fell to the Indianapolis Colts 29-17. While they would return to the playoffs several times over the decades, the 1985 championship remains the franchise’s lone Super Bowl title.
Playoff Appearances Through the Years
The Bears have made the NFL playoffs 29 times in franchise history, with 17 appearances occurring after the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Their all-time playoff record has been mixed, with periods of success followed by long gaps without postseason momentum.
In the early years after the Super Bowl era began, the Bears reached the postseason sporadically. The 1984 and 1985 teams were among the best of that era, with the 1985 squad becoming one of the most dominant in NFL history.
After their Super Bowl run, the Bears had stretches of playoff appearances. They advanced to the NFC Championship Game in 1988 and again in 1990, though they failed to reach another Super Bowl. Their playoff runs in the 1990s and early 2000s were less consistent, with early exits often defining those seasons.
Recent Decades: Long Droughts and Limited Success
The 21st century saw ups and downs for Chicago’s postseason hopes. From 2001 through 2025, they reached the playoffs several times but often exited early. They made the postseason in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2018, and 2020, but only in 2006 and 2010 did they advance beyond the wildcard round.
The Bears’ playoff victory drought in the modern era was particularly painful for fans. After winning a divisional round game in 2010, they failed to notch another postseason win for 15 years. By 2025, that drought—the longest active streak in the NFL—was tied with multiple franchises for one of the longest in league history.
During those years, Chicago’s fans became all too familiar with disappointing exits, missed opportunities, and seasons that ended just short of meaningful playoff runs.
2025 Season: A Turnaround Under Ben Johnson
The 2025 season marked a dramatic turnaround for the Bears. Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson and with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams emerging as a leader, prompting MVP odds to shift heavily, Chicago exceeded expectations and secured an 11–6 regular-season record. They clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020 and won the NFC North division.
This achievement was all the more impressive given that the Bears had gone just 5–12 the previous season. The turnaround was powered by a resilient defense that ranked high in takeaways and an offense that executed in clutch moments. Chicago also excelled in one-score games, establishing a mental toughness that had eluded the franchise in recent years.
Historic Wild Card Victory
The highlight of the Bears’ 2025 postseason run came in the Wild Card round against rival Green Bay Packers. Trailing 21-3 at halftime, Chicago staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in franchise history, outscoring the Packers 25-6 in the fourth quarter to win 31-27. This comeback was the largest in Bears playoff history and joined them with legendary teams who erased double-digit deficits in postseason play—a rare feat in the NFL.
Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. His late touchdown pass to DJ Moore in the final minutes turned the tide and ended the Bears’ long drought without a playoff win. The win also gave Chicago its first postseason victory against Green Bay in 85 years and increased their all-time playoff series advantage to 2-1, underscoring the historic significance of the rivalry’s rare postseason meetings.
The victory was not only a statistical milestone but also a cultural one for the team and its fan base, reigniting belief that the Bears could compete deep into the postseason.
Looking Ahead: Divisional Round and Beyond
Following their comeback wild card win, Chicago advanced to the NFC Divisional Round, where they were set to host the Los Angeles Rams. For the first time since 2011, the Bears were back in the divisional round, showing that the 2025 season was more than a fluke—it was a statement about the franchise’s direction and potential.
Historically, Chicago has appeared in 14 divisional playoff games. Their last win at this stage was during the 2010 season, underscoring how rare it has been for the franchise to enjoy consistent postseason success in recent years.
Legacy and Momentum
The Chicago Bears’ playoff history is a tapestry of early dominance, extended droughts, intermittent success, and historic moments. Their lone Super Bowl win in 1985 remains a defining achievement, while numerous championships before the Super Bowl era cement their legacy as one of football’s foundational franchises.
The breakthrough in 2025 ended a long stretch without a playoff victory and rekindled hope that the Bears can build sustained success. With a young core, a strong defensive identity, and a renewed fan base, Chicago’s playoff history now includes a new chapter—one that blends respect for past glories with excitement for what comes next.